Manchester (cigarette)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
| Product type | Cigarette |
|---|---|
| Owner | Khaled al-Mahamid |
| Produced by | J.S.S Tobacco Limited |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Website | www |
| Carcinogenicity: IARC group 1 | |
Manchester is a brand of cigarettes based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates owned by Syrian businessman Khaled al-Mahamid through J.S.S Tobacco Limited.[1] While the brand itself is believed to be legal, its products have frequently appeared in the illicit cigarette trade outside the UAE, particularly in Australia.[1]
Popularity on the black market
The brand is believed to have existed since at least the late 2000s.[1]
The brand is readily available in Australia, where it is illegally imported and does not comply with any local regulations.[1] Packs of Manchester cigarettes often retail for less than A$15, less than half the price of the cheapest legal pack.[1] A tobacco industry report from 2013 suggested that in that year, Manchester accounted for 1.2% of total manufactured cigarette consumption in Australia, higher than any other illicit brand.[2] A separate tobacco industry report from 2024 suggested that in 2022, Manchester accounted for 1.4% of total manufactured cigarettes in Australia, which rose to 4.6% in 2023.[3]
Illicit Manchester cigarettes have also been found and seized in Ireland.[4] A BBC News report from 2025 showed Manchester cigarettes present in the United Kingdom.[5]